Colleen Bielitz hosted our online session and had Prof Robert LiKam Wa give a presentation.
Dr. Robert LiKamWa is an associate professor at Arizona State University, appointed in the School of Arts, Media and Engineering (AME) and the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering (ECEE). LiKamWa directs Meteor Studio, which explores the research and design of software and hardware for mobile Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, and visual computing systems, and their ability to help people tell their stories. To this end, Meteor Studio’s research and design projects span three arcs: (i) advanced visual capture and processing systems, (ii) systems for hybrid virtual-physical immersion through augmentation of senses, and (iii) design frameworks for data-driven augmented reality and virtual reality storytelling and sensemaking.
The meeting discussed XR learning at ASU scale and beyond, emphasizing partnerships with AR and VR for diverse learning opportunities and immersive storytelling with Dreamscape Learn. The XR program at ASU was highlighted, focusing on MeSH system implementation for scalability and student accessibility, including studio mentorship and faculty involvement. Initiatives for immersive learning experiences for high school students, meteorology simulations, and XR environments in education were also addressed, along with ongoing research projects and collaborations. The meeting explored micro-credentialing in XR programs, VR applications in education for enhanced learning experiences, and potential collaborations for XR lesson builder platforms. The importance of partnerships, scalability, and philanthropic support were emphasized as next steps for action.
Topics & Highlights
1. Discussion on XR Learning at ASU Scale and Beyond
investments in partnerships with AR and VR for different learning opportunities and creating learning experiences for various degree programs at ASU.
partnership with Dreamscape Learn, emphasizing immersive storytelling for education and engaging students in their learning by making them characters in their own stories.
2. MeSH - Support Network and Studio Mentorship
The decision to have faculty mentors for guilds to provide skills and expert mentorship in their subject areas.
Discussion about the collaborative and co-designed approach with clients in the intake process.
3. Implementation of XR Environments in Education
importance of instructional design, aligning objectives, and the creative team's role in engaging students. He highlighted the need for assessments, time budgeting, and the involvement of primary roles for project success.
interdisciplinary nature of the project, involving students from various programs, the establishment of guilds for skill development, and the role of instructional designers in course design at ASU.
4. Research Projects and Collaborations
various research projects, including Hurricane Heroes and the Verizon project, led by PhD students and their publications at different conferences.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) for Education
The conversation covers the application of VR in education, specifically focusing on scale perception and immersive experiences. ASU's partnership with Dreamscape for creating educational content and hiring students for various roles is discussed.
